It’s been awhile since I’ve given you an update. Mainly it’s because I don’t really want to face you. How many times can I say, “I’m still exercising but I still love to eat”? But here’s the turn-red-in-the-face honest truth: I’m 9 lbs. up from my lowest weight after my “aha” moment, and I just can’t seem to get it off. I have been up by this amount for about a year, and I can’t decide if this is the way I’m just supposed to be or if I am settling. Or making excuses. Hmm. . .maybe something like this:

My body’s just settling at its comfortable weight.

It’s that time of a month (sorry, guys).

I weighed at night.

I just ate a big meal.

I’m not really eating that much between meals.

I’ll just buy those chocolate chips just in case, and I won’t open the bag (cough, cough).

I’m just meant to be a big girl.

I only live once . . .

It’s a special occasion (again and again).

I could go on and on. But seriously, do I really want to live with growing love handles? Do I seriously want to let food control me? Do I want to go into my forties and not be in the best shape possible? Of course not! But dealing with the balance between exercise and food and real life is so hard. We are surrounded by so many choices and a culture that celebrates food. If you really look in your pantry, in your fridge, in your town, on your screen, do we honestly surround ourselves with healthy choices? Even if we do, the temptation is so great.

For me, it’s a combination. I can do really well eating lots of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and fiber, but I really want chocolate or I take a 2nd helping of lasagna when I know I probably shouldn’t. Let me make it clear, I do not want to live my life thinking about eating (or not eating) and counting every calorie. BUT I do want to be disciplined. I want to have a goal and a plan. I want to be healthy.

So where do the Ralph Lauren pants come in (Get to the point already, right?)? I found a cute pair of Ralph Lauren navy blue pants at a 1/2 off Saturday at Goodwill a few months ago. They are cute, perfect for spring (sorry again, guys). And guess what? They’re a little tight. Like not-ever-going-to-where-these-in-public snug. Not so cute.

So I’ve set a long-term goal to lose 11 lbs. by May 9. I have organized short-term goals as well. So far, I’m down 2 lbs. After trying the pants on a couple weeks ago, I realized that I needed to do something, and goal-setting definitely helped me lose weight initially. So I’m off and running (and struggling with the chocolate chips), but I am hopeful. I’ve done it before; I can do it again.

And maybe now that I’ve told you, Operation Ralph Lauren Pants just might be Mission Accomplished.

2 Responses to “Operation Ralph Lauren Pants”

Re substituting part whole wheat flour for bread/pizza: I’ve been making most of our bread, pasta & pizza dough for a few years. I find that KING ARTHUR brand white whole wheat is a great substitute for white flour! Has all the nutrition of whole wheat with a much less “heavy” feel. Of course, I still use whole wheat for bread, rolls and other recipes calling for it, but for recipes calling for white all-purpose I sub in the white whole wheat. One note: in very dry weather, you may have to add a T or so of extra liquid. Otherwise, it subs 1:1 very well. Good swap that nobody (especially kids) will notice!

Thank you for the tip! I was using King Arthur whole wheat, but I will definitely consider the other.

Hi and welcome to Fit4Miracles! I'm Jen, and I'm your host here. As a wife and mom of 5 kiddos, 2 years ago I had enough and embarked on a journey of better health and fitness. You'll find my "aha" moment here along with fitness triumphs and struggles, work-out ideas, recipes, books that I'm reading, and more. I know many of you are on your own journey; I'd love for you to join me.